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Updated on
October 05, 2012,
S.K.
asks from Castle Rock, CO
on
October 03, 2012

Adult Getting Tonsils Out. Recovery Time?

My BIL is getting his tonsils removed on the 18th. He thinks he will be back to work on Monday (the 18th is Thursday) we all think he is crazy but none of us have been through this. How many of you have had yours removed as an adult and how long was your recovery?

10 days guaranteed. You feel great the first day until the drugs from surgery wear off. You have to keep up with your pain meds and keep drinking water . The water is the key . When your throat gets dry it hurts . The scabs dont fall off until day 10 (gross but true). If he goes back to work too early it will screw up his medical leave time if he has to go out again.He will be so crabby the last day (day 9). The day after he will be about 80%. Tell him to just take his 10 days. Really .

I had my tonsils removed when I was in my mid 30's. I was told it is more painful and a longer recovery for adults. That was an understatement. I was home and in bed around the clock and did not feel somewhat better until day 8. The nurse at the hospital told me to set my alarm clock so I can take my pain meds every four hours. I thought that was comical. I had two children, so tonsils can't be that bad. I only slept through the pain meds once. I would have cried, but it was too painful. Not only does your throat hurt, your ears and head hurt as well. You must have a cool mist humidifier in the room where you sleep. I had to sleep in an almost sitting position, or it felt like I couldn't breathe. It was much worse than any other surgery. It takes so long to recover and I think that is why it is so miserable. I lived on canned chicken noodle soup with crackers. I let it cool and turn to mush so I could get it down. The pain meds can make you ill if you don't have something in your stomach. I found an ice collar that came home with me was a life saver. Good luck.